Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/146

126] limbs, gradual smoothness of the skin, warmth and redness in particular parts of the body, hiccough, contraction and hissing of the nostrils, a tremulous motion of the whole body, mucus issuing from the nose during the artificial inflation of the lungs, a slight convulsive motion of the mouth, and a firm compression of the teeth.

More certain signs: Gentle throbbing of the heart; pulsation of the temporal arteries; a slight convulsive motion of the inner corner of the eye; vibration of the eye-ball; and almost imperceptible convulsions of the muscles surrounding the neck.

Distinct signs of Life: A gentle motion of the jaw; gradual redness of the lips and cheeks; contraction of the different muscles in the face; convulsive motions of the toes; sneezing; tremor of the whole body; vomiting; respiration interrupted by coughing; and groaning.  DEATH-WATCH, or Termes pulsatorium, L. a small insect that harbours chiefly in old wood. It is produced from a very minute white egg, which is hatched in the month of March.

When these vermin first leave their shells, they are scarcely perceptible, without the aid of a microscope: from this diminutive size, they gradually acquire their perfect state, when they are about 5-16ths of an inch in length, and of a dark brown, spotted colour.—They are remarkable for the ticking noise, similar to that of a watch, which is made by the male and female, when wooing each other. This expression of mutual affection was formerly considered, by the superstitious, as a presage of death in the family where it was heard; from which circumstance the insect has received its name.  DEBILITY, is that feeble state of life in which the vital functions are languidly performed; when the mind loses its cheerfulness and vivacity; when the limbs are tottering with weakness, and the digestive faculty is impaired.

This complaint, which at present is so prevalent, even in the bloom of life, and among those who ought to form the most vigorous and robust part of a nation, may arise from a great variety of causes, of which the following are the principal: 1. Descent from enfeebled parents; 2. Changes in the admixture, and component parts of the surrounding atmosphere; 3. A sedentary and indolent mode of life; 4. Immoderate sleep; or, in a still more hurtful degree, want of the necessary portion of sleep and repose; 5. Too great exertions either of mind or body; 6. The unnecessary and imprudent use of medicines; lastly, the almost total disuse, and exclusion of gymnastic exercise, and the general introduction of sedentary games, the effect of which creates an almost universal apathy to every pursuit that requires exertion.

Debility is the source of numerous disorders, such as spasms, palsy, violent evacuations, hemorrhages, putrid and nervous fevers, fainting fits, and apparent death.

The means employed for the preserving and maintaining feeble life (says Dr., in his Asthenology; or, the Art of preserving feeble life, 8vo. 8s. 1801), are as various as the causes on which it depends, and the disorders with which it is generally accompanied. The first object that claims